Seems strange that Muxco are requesting a change of frequency from 10D to 10B. Block 10D is totally clear in this area at the moment whilst Block 10B is used by Oxford for their local DAB multiplex.
I am only to aware of how much coverage overlap there can be between Oxford and Mendip on both VHF and UHF. Even during the slightest weather lift conditions I can receive BBC R Oxford on 95,20Mhz very clearly. A few years back whilst driving through Somerset I was tuned to Orchard FM on 102.60 when it would often be swamped out by the then local station from Oxford on the same frequency.
Seems strange that Muxco are requesting a change of frequency from 10D to 10B. Block 10D is totally clear in this area at the moment whilst Block 10B is used by Oxford for their local DAB multiplex.
I am only to aware of how much coverage overlap there can be between Oxford and Mendip on both VHF and UHF. Even during the slightest weather lift conditions I can receive BBC R Oxford on 95,20Mhz very clearly. A few years back whilst driving through Somerset I was tuned to Orchard FM on 102.60 when it would often be swamped out by the then local station from Oxford on the same frequency.
It's to allow the expanded Wiltshire mux to change to 10D (the current 12D is unsuitable for an expansion to Salisbury & East Wiltshire because this frequency is used for the Reading & North Hampshire mux).
10B is unavailable for Wiltshire because of its proximity to Oxfordshire so they have done a swap with Somerset.
Not sure if this has been mentioned, however the Muxco website has been updated with a list of stations at launch in September -
Heart
Capital
Smooth
BBC Somerset
So, out of all of those, from what I'm able to receive, the only real addition is BBC Somerset, all the others (Although different regions) are available on the South Wales mux which is strong across Somerset as it's broadcast from Mendip as well.
Not sure if this has been mentioned, however the Muxco website has been updated with a list of stations at launch in September -
Heart
Capital
Smooth
BBC Somerset
So, out of all of those, from what I'm able to receive, the only real addition is BBC Somerset, all the others (Although different regions) are available on the South Wales mux which is strong across Somerset as it's broadcast from Mendip as well.
Triple Media want to launch a digital station on there, so I've read.
No sign of any test transmissions yet and have checked both 10B and 10D. That's a very inspiring station list with just Somerset Sound being the digital newbie. I hope with such a few stations they can be more generous with the bit rates.
For those that live in South Wales, will this cause any problems? (Although not official coverage) Possibly just for Capital, if it is named 'Capital' on the Somerset Mux then receivers in South Wales may choose this first?
So did anyone make a complaint about the Somerset Mux changing frequency? I think 31 August 14 was the end of the consultation?
I did point out that there may be a possible clash between Mendip and Oxford especially during tropo lifts. I can remember whilst driving through parts of Somerset listening to Orchard FM on 102.6 when it would be swamped out by, I think it was Fox, from the Oxford mast also on 102.6. So they may be having a rethink about using 10B
September 6th
The UK regulator Ofcom has approved MuxCo's request to change the frequency of the forthcoming local ensemble for Somerset from Block 10D to Block 10B.
Comments
Seems strange that Muxco are requesting a change of frequency from 10D to 10B. Block 10D is totally clear in this area at the moment whilst Block 10B is used by Oxford for their local DAB multiplex.
I am only to aware of how much coverage overlap there can be between Oxford and Mendip on both VHF and UHF. Even during the slightest weather lift conditions I can receive BBC R Oxford on 95,20Mhz very clearly. A few years back whilst driving through Somerset I was tuned to Orchard FM on 102.60 when it would often be swamped out by the then local station from Oxford on the same frequency.
It's to allow the expanded Wiltshire mux to change to 10D (the current 12D is unsuitable for an expansion to Salisbury & East Wiltshire because this frequency is used for the Reading & North Hampshire mux).
10B is unavailable for Wiltshire because of its proximity to Oxfordshire so they have done a swap with Somerset.
Heart
Capital
Smooth
BBC Somerset
So, out of all of those, from what I'm able to receive, the only real addition is BBC Somerset, all the others (Although different regions) are available on the South Wales mux which is strong across Somerset as it's broadcast from Mendip as well.
Triple Media want to launch a digital station on there, so I've read.
Ha !
Judging by Stoke's mux, that's unlikely
http://www.wohnort.org/DAB/ukloc.html#Stoke
I doubt it too. Bit rate is generally not dependent on how much capacity is available but on how much a station is willing to pay.
Hereford must be the most underused mux, it only has 3 stations (1x 128k, 2x 112k). At least they're all stereo though.
http://www.wohnort.org/DAB/ukloc.html#Hereford
We can add Triple Hits to that list now -sounds promising!
I did point out that there may be a possible clash between Mendip and Oxford especially during tropo lifts. I can remember whilst driving through parts of Somerset listening to Orchard FM on 102.6 when it would be swamped out by, I think it was Fox, from the Oxford mast also on 102.6. So they may be having a rethink about using 10B
I can pick it up here in the Cullompton area, no crackle even though I'm outside the intended area.
Same location as myself, perhaps nothing from Mendip?